How to Establish a Skin Brightening Routine for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a fairly common skin condition that can occur regardless of skin type, and may manifest in multiple ways for a variety of reasons stemming from the genetic variations in the skin’s natural barrier function. Essentially, this refers to the overreaction of the immune system when impurities, irritants, and allergens breach the weakened skin barrier, causing visible symptoms, dull and uneven skin tones, and skin pigmentation to appear on the skin’s surface.

Unfortunately, more than half of the population of both men and women around the world suffer from this condition at some point in their lives, and in most cases, the symptoms of sensitive skin are triggered by underlying factors, such as environmental pollutants, UV rays, hormones, detergents and fragrances, or other external irritants. Unfortunately, UV rays are the ultimate bane of healthy glowing skin, and are responsible for a host of problems including dark spots, wrinkles, dull skin, rough skin textures, and a reduction in skin barrier function among other defects.

Declared by the International Forum for the Study of Itch (IFSI) as a legitimate dermatological syndrome in 2017, symptoms of sensitive skin include temporary redness, itchiness, and in more extreme cases, a tingling or burning sensation in overly dehydrated areas of the skin. These symptoms can typically last for several hours at a time, and for some, remain a lifelong struggle.

Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin

Prebiotics

Fortunately, sensitive skin can benefit from products that contain prebiotics, which aid in re-balancing the skin's microbiome by promoting growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics also help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier against external irritants.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid upholds moisture levels in the skin and helps to keep the skin hydrated. Including products that focus on hydrating and strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier, as well as focusing on products labelled “gentle”, “pH-balanced”, and “free from artificial fragrances'' to your skincare routine will also help to minimise inflammation, as well as the occurrence of flare-ups.

Chamomile

An antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, chamomile is also a natural antiseptic and is able to neutralise skin irritants while helping the skin to regenerate, tighten pores, and inhibit ageing effects in the skin.

Panthenol

A derivative of provitamin B5, panthenol is known for its moisturising and soothing properties, and is beneficial in enhancing the skin’s natural moisture barrier as well as managing sensitive skin conditions.

Squalene

An organic compound with powerful antioxidant properties, squalene helps to clean the skin of toxins and free radicals while providing ample hydration. It is also used in skincare products to fight signs of aging and improve skin texture and tone.

Green Tea

Rich with nutrients and antioxidants, Green Tea contains vitamin E that nourishes and hydrates the skin while brightening and repairing it. Including this ingredient in skincare also helps to minimise sun damage whilst reducing the look of dark spots and environmentally induced skin irritations.

Best Products to Brighten Skin

While ingredients such as niacinamide, retinol, probiotics and vitamin C have become synonymous with skin brightening and achieving a luminous complexion, some of these ingredients may not be entirely suitable for sensitive skin, resulting in adverse effects when used excessively or regularly. Instead, here are some alternative skin brightening ingredients that boast anti-inflammatory benefits as a bonus.

Ferulic Acid

An antioxidant found in plant cells, ferulic acid aids in stabilising multiple ingredients while targeting a reduction in pigmentation and dull or uneven skin tones. This gentle ingredient also boosts the effectiveness of other products in a skincare regimen, with less chances of triggering skin irritation and sensitivity as compared to other skin brightening ingredients.

Kojic Acid

A byproduct derived from mushrooms, soy sauce, and saké, kojic acid inhibits melanin production, and has antifungal and antibacterial properties that aid in reducing outbreaks, inflammations, and infections.

Azelaic Acid

A natural skin lightening ingredient extracted from wheat, rye and barley, azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and is great at inhibiting melanin production while suppressing the growth of melanin-producing cells.

Ascorbyl Glucoside

A derivative of vitamin C that is gentle on sensitive skin, ascorbyl glucoside is a less potent form of vitamin C, with all the benefits and less of the drawbacks. Aside from helping to reduce skin damage by neutralising free radicals, reducing melanin production, and stimulating cell renewal to lighten the skin and preventing premature aging, this ingredient is also often incorporated into topical products due to its excellent water solubility.

Alpha-Arbutin

A natural and efficient skin-lightening agent, Alpha arbutin is a hydroquinone derivative found in dried blueberry and cranberry leaves among other plants. It is widely used in skincare formulas to aid in reducing pigmentation and spots produced by acne or sun damage.

How to Lighten Pigmentation and Brighten Skin Tone

1. It is always recommended to do a patch test for new or unfamiliar products. Apply a layer of the product to a small patch of skin with limited contact, and leave it on for at least 5 minutes, or as long as the product would normally be on the skin, to see if a reaction develops. Repeat the test at least twice a day for a week as a reaction may not be immediately observed. If there is a reaction, wash the affected area thoroughly, and stop using the product.
Avoid products and cosmetics with alcohols, parabens and fragrances, and intensive treatments including facial peels.
2. Keep the body as close to its natural temperature as possible; this helps the skin to maintain a balanced moisture level and achieve healthier-looking skin.
3. Keep the skin well-moisturised for a dewy look, while strengthening the skin barrier against impurities and UV damage.
4. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause symptoms that aggravate sensitive skin, increase the appearance of dark spots, dull skin, and dryness among other skin issues. Applying an adequate amount of a lightweight sunscreen throughout the day will help to minimise UV damage.
5. A brightening cream or Vitamin C brightening serum is an effective way to prevent or reduce the formation of dark spots and freckles due to excessive sun exposure and melanin production, as well as boost the effects of sunscreen on the skin.

Products Recommended for Sensitive Skin Brightening